Obituaries

JOHN EDGAR HAMMETT

August 14, 1929 – September 19, 2023

Surrounded in the care of family, John Hammett died peacefully on September 19, 2023, at his Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence. John suffered a stroke five days prior.

Remaining to cherish John’s memory are daughters Marlene (Craig) Thiessen, Laurie Douglas; son Craig (Shelley) Hammett; grandchildren John Alan (Jill and family), Melena, Sean and family, Devin (Alexa) and Taylor; sisters Margaret Oliver and Jean Gregory; brother-in-law Brian (Edith) Anema; and nieces and nephews from the Anema family.

John is predeceased by his devoted wife Marguerite Hammett (Anema), parents Edgar and Gladys, sisters Muriel Simister, Dorothy Lynn Francis, and their respective husbands, brother-in law-Peter (Jean) Anema, and granddaughter Jayne Douglas.

John inspired, encouraged, and guided his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren through example, wisdom, love and a good sprinkling of humour. His newest great great-grandson will one day hear of Papa’s special love that made our family strong.

As a youth, John outran four sisters at their home on the banks of the Red River, fully enjoying dogs, his horse Joey, canoeing, biking, and winter activities. John was an active in the Youth People’s Union St. Vital United Church, and choir at St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church. He ventured to the Okanagan for summer employment. He married his Glenlawn Collegiate sweetheart Marguerite, living and raising their family in Charleswood for almost their entire married life. John and Marguerite enjoyed camping especially at Spruce Woods, the Redboine Boating Club, the Charleswood Skiing Club, gardening, breeding dogs, and touring Canada and USA by motor home.

John began a lifelong career in the insurance industry in 1948. After high school graduation, he was employed by the Commercial Union Ocean Group in Winnipeg. He worked for his father’s brokerage, Enderton Bridges & Waugh Limited and then joined the Guardian Royal Exchange Group. In July of 1967, John certified as an Associate of the Insurance Institute of Canada by Examination in the Casualty Branch. Two years later, he was among the 1969 graduating Fellows of the Insurance Institute of Canada. As independent auto insurance agencies came to a close in Manitoba, John crossed the floor August of 1971 to accept employment from the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation. He holds the distinction of being one of the seven original employees; Agency Coordinator: Autopac Product Services and Underwriting. After retirement, he kept in contact with his friends and co-workers at MPI breakfasts and summer BBQ’s.

On November 1,1961, John joined Blue Goose International, a fraternal organization of individuals who work in the insurance industry. He received his Life Pin and Most Loyal Gander, Manitoba Pond 1974-75, and was confirmed as Past Most Loyal Gander, Manitoba Pond, March 1999. John was an eloquent speaker honing valuable communication skills through Toastmasters International. In addition to his years of professional speaking at Autopac agency training sessions, John was often asked to speak at friend and family occasions.

Heartfelt appreciation is extended to doctors and nurses of the Palliative Care Program and to the compassionate and tender safekeeping from the Home Care Team and Nursing Staff of Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence.

A Celebration of Life will take place 1:00 pm, Friday, Oct 13, 2023 at Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel, 2157 Portage Ave.  Cremation has taken place, and a private interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society https://alzheimer.mb.ca/